Nintendo Switch 2 Enhances User Experience with Additional USB-C Port

The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 is officially here, and the first look at the system has unveiled some exciting features. Among them are the new Joy-Cons, which now function as a mouse thanks to optical sensors. However, a significant quality-of-life improvement that might have slipped under the radar in the initial reveal trailer is the addition of a second USB-C port on the console.

The original Nintendo Switch came equipped with a single USB-C port on the underside of the tablet. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch 2 boasts two Type-C ports. This might seem like a minor tweak, but it's a game-changer for gamers who often find themselves juggling multiple accessories. With the original Switch, using more than one accessory meant relying on third-party adaptors, which were often unreliable and could even damage your console.

The original Switch claimed to be USB-C compliant, but it had a custom specification that required reverse-engineering to ensure compatibility with third-party docks and accessories. This often led to issues with connectivity and even hardware damage. The introduction of a second USB-C port in the Switch 2 suggests that Nintendo might be adopting standard USB-C protocols this time around, which would be a significant step forward. With USB-C standards now more mature, they support high-speed data transfer and 4K display outputs, and can even accommodate Thunderbolt connectivity for external GPUs.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

With the evolution of USB-C standards since 2017, the addition of a secondary port on the Switch 2 likely means support for the universal standard, enabling connections for external displays, networking, data transfer, and high-wattage power. While the bottom port might be more sophisticated to accommodate the official dock and multiple accessories, the top port could support fast charging, display outputs, and other functionalities. This dual-port design opens up possibilities for using external power banks alongside other accessories, significantly enhancing the user experience compared to the original console.

For more detailed insights into the Nintendo Switch 2, including the mysterious C button, we'll need to wait until the Switch 2 Direct presentation on April 2, 2025.